Sunday, January 5, 2020

Meet Glacier!

Every now and then, a groomer will run into a dog they just have to help. It could be a dog that has been severely neglected and needs relief from their impacted, matted coat. It could be a dog that struggles with trusting the process. It could be a dog who has been handled roughly and despises everything about groomers and grooming. But there is a spark. There is a need. We have to help this dog no matter what. Many times, these types of dogs will do best when they stay with one certain groomer so they can develop a bond. That bond helps to create trust. Grooming is all about trust between the dog and their groomer.



 

Glacier is one of those dogs. This handsome boy has been one of Stacey’s friends for many years. They met at a corporate store back when Glacier was just a youngster. He was not a fan of his grooming! Some of the groomers were not fans of Glacier! He acted out in typical husky fashion but Stacey could tell that he was just a scared, frustrated dog who needed someone to trust. She could also tell that the corporate environment with the rush, rush, rush attitude, constant noise, and ever changing bathers were only setting him on edge. This was a dog who needed to take his time for grooming. He needed a quiet, calmer environment with a single person so he could learn to trust the process.



It didn’t take long for Glacier to be dismissed from the corporate environment. Stacey knew she had to do something for him. As a life-long husky owner herself, she knew the importance of keeping him groomed, even if he didn’t appreciate it! So she talked to his owners. She explained that she would be happy to try grooming him at her house if they were willing to drive him out there. As you can guess, they agreed.



Stacey and Glacier began forming a trusting bond. She slowly taught him that grooming is nothing to be scared of. They developed a firm routine which helps him know exactly what is happening and when. Knowing what to expect is so very important for many dogs! He went from acting out because he didn’t know what was going on to actually being excited for his sessions!
Glacier now knows that he will be visiting Aunt Stacey and her pack of dogs. When he arrives at her home, he gets to play in the backyard with his friends Jack, Sophie, Tiberius, and Lucky. After play time, he goes inside for his bath, blow out, brushing, and nail trim. He might sing the songs of his people as huskies tend to do, but he knows exactly what is coming next. Glacier even holds his paws out for his nail grinding! He trusts Stacey that much! Weather pending, he might get to play with his friends some more while he waits for his mom and dad to pick him up!



Glacier’s story perfectly illustrates why we do what we do at TLC. Even though he does not come into our salon (he would not be happy to give up his play time with his friends!), he shows exactly why all dogs need a steady, predictable routine in an environment tailored to their needs with a groomer who is willing to do whatever it takes to make them comfortable.

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